A white North Carolina congressman apologized on Thursday for saying the people demonstrating in the wake of a black man's shooting by police in Charlotte "hate" whites for being successful.

In an interview with the BBC, Rep. Robert Pittenger — a Republican who's been listed as one of the nation's wealthier congressmen — attributed "the animus, the anger" of those demonstrating over the fatal shooting of Keith Lamont Scott to the fact that they "hate white people because white people are successful and they're not."

After a backlash that spread to social media, Pittenger took to his Twitter feed to say he hadn't meant to offend anyone.

My answer to BBC doesn't reflect who I am. I was quoting statements made by angry protesters last night on national TV. Not my intent

Rather, he said, he'd only meant to highlight a lack of "economic mobility" for blacks.

My intent was to discuss the lack of economic mobility for African Americans because of failed policies.

I apologize to those I offended and hope we can bring peace and calm to Charlotte.

Pittenger's apology came too late for critics who went after him for his remarks on the BBC's "Newsnight" program, which also had him decrying a "welfare state" that had "put people in bondage."

Note to congressman Robert Pittenger.. The people of Charlotte are moved by injustice not jealousy #Idiot

So NC Republican Congressman, Robert Pittenger, in reference to the protesters said "they hate white people... https://t.co/5ezAzwD4kI

This is disgusting. Mr got it all, white @RobertPittenger . Made his millions and got his gerrymandered seat in Congress. #shame https://t.co/WsWKy7gDeW

Pittenger's former real estate firm came under federal investigation several years ago, the News & Observerreported, also noting the lawmaker was seeking re-election in a district redrawn due to racial gerrymandering.

Protests continued in Charlotte Thursday night amid reports police had opened a homicide investigation following the death of Justin Carr, 26, who was shot during a demonstration on Wednesday.

Charlotte

Carr was protesting the death of Keith L. Scott, who was shot and killed on Tuesday by police searching for a different person with an outstanding arrest warrant at the Village at College Downs apartment complex.